Flat panel display apparatus and tilt/swivel mechanism therein

ABSTRACT

A flat panel display apparatus having a tilt/swivel mechanism therein allows a user to adjustably move the display panel in an up-and-down tilt direction and a right-and-left swivel direction along the connecting area. The flat panel display apparatus includes: a flat panel display, a computer, a swivel base, a yoke, a mounting base and a pair of elastic members. The yoke is pivotally secured to the connecting area of the flat panel display. The swivel base is pivotally secured to the flat panel display with the yoke. The swivel base has a first cylinder with two grooves parallel and opposite each other on the outer surface of the first cylinder. The mounting base is located in the computer. The mounting base has a second cylinder, the second cylinder having a cable hole formed at the center of the second cylinder to hold the swivel base and two mounting slots located in the cable hole opposite each other. Each elastic member has a projection to be held in the mounting slot. Each groove holds the projection and stops the swivel action while the swivel base swivels to a particular orientation in the mounting base.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(a) of Taiwan Patent Application No. 090202022, filed Feb. 9, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a flat panel display apparatusand a tilt/swivel mechanism therein, and more particularly, to a flatpanel display apparatus with a tilt/swivel mechanism which allows a userto adjustably move the display panel in an up-and-down tilt directionand a right-and-left swivel direction along the connecting area.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Traditional flat panel display apparatus with a tilt/swivelmechanism has a complicated structure and limited swivel angle up to 60degrees. Due to the limitation of swivel angle, users are allowed toadjust the swivel angle of the flat panel display on a limited scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To solve the above problem, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a tilt/swivel mechanism not only permitting a userto adjustably move the display panel in an up-and-down tilt direction,but also in a right-and-left swivel direction along the connecting area.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a flat panel displayapparatus and a tilt/swivel mechanism therein, two preferred embodimentare shown in the following description.

[0008] The first preferred embodiment includes: a flat panel display, acomputer, a swivel base, a yoke, a mounting base and two elasticmembers. The yoke is connected to an edge of the flat panel display. Theswivel base is pivotally secured to the edge of the flat panel displaywith the yoke and has a first cylinder with two grooves parallel andopposite each other on the outer surface of the first cylinder. Themounting base is located on the computer and has a second cylinderhaving a cable hole formed at the center of the second cylinder to holdthe mounting base and two mounting slots located in the cable holeopposite each other. Each of the elastic members has a projection to beheld in the mounting slot. Each groove holds the projection and stopsthe swivel action while the swivel base swivels to a particularorientation in the mounting base.

[0009] While the swivel action stop by the engagement of the projectionand the groove, the flat panel display faces upward and tilts forwardsto be in a closed position with the computer. When the flat paneldisplay is in a facing upward and closed position with the computer,screen of the flat panel display faces upwards and can be used as anelectronic book.

[0010] The second flat panel display apparatus includes: a flat paneldisplay, a computer, a mounting member, a yoke, a swivel base and twoelastic members. The mounting member is located on the computer and hasa first cylinder with two grooves parallel and opposite each other onthe outer surface of the first cylinder. The yoke is connected to anedge of the flat panel display. The swivel base is pivotally secured tothe edge of the flat panel display with the yoke. The swivel base has asecond cylinder. The second cylinder has a cable hole formed at thecenter of the second cylinder to hold the mounting member and twomounting slots located in the cable hole opposite each other. Eachelastic member has a projection to be held in the mounting slot. Eachgroove holds the projection and stops the swivel action while the swivelbase swivels to a particular orientation in the mounting member.

[0011] While the swivel action is stopped by the engagement of theprojection and the groove, the flat panel display faces upward and tiltsforwards to be in a closed position with the computer.

[0012] In the above embodiment, swivel action requires a torsion that isprovided by the friction between the projection of the elastic memberand the surface of the swivel base. The elastic member is a metal springplate. When swivel base swivels to a particular orientation, for examplea swivel angle of 180 degrees in the mounting member, each groove holdsthe projection and positions the swivel base at a swivel angle of 180degrees. In other words, the flat panel display then is positioned atswivel angle of 180 degrees either counterclockwise or clockwise. Itfollows that back instead of the front, the display screen, of the flatpanel display apparatus faces the user. The flat panel display then istilted forward with the yoke to be in a closed position with thecomputer. When the flat panel display is in a facing upward and closedposition with the computer, screen of the flat panel display facesupwards and is used as an electronic book.

[0013] The other objective of the present invention is to provide atilt/swivel mechanism. It provides a wider swivel angle for the flatpanel display. In addition, when swivel base is stopped at a swivelangle as 180 degrees, the flat panel display faces upward and tiltsforwards to be in a closed position with the computer. When the flatpanel display is in a facing upward and closed position with thecomputer, screen of the flat panel display faces upwards and can be usedas an electronic book.

[0014] To avoid the signal cable which goes through the cable holebetween the flat panel display and the computer may be damaged due tofrequent swivel actions, in the preferred embodiment according to thepresent invention, a coaxial cable is recommended to be the signal cablebetween the flat panel display and the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The following detailed description, given by way of an exampleand not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments describedherein, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

[0016]FIG. 1(a), FIG. 1(b), FIG. 1(c) and FIG. 1(d) are perspectiveviews showing the operation according to the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tilt/swivel mechanism of theflat panel display apparatus according to the invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the tilt/swivelmechanism of the flat panel display apparatus according to theinvention;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt/swivelmechanism of the flat panel display apparatus according to theinvention; and

[0020]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt/swivelmechanism of the flat panel display apparatus according to secondpreferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Two preferred embodiments of the present invention-flat paneldisplay apparatus and tilt/swivel mechanism therein- are describedbelow.

[0022] First Embodiment

[0023]FIG. 1(a) to FIG. 1(d) are perspective views showing the operationaccording to the invention. FIG. 1(a) is a flat panel display apparatus10 comprising a flat panel display 11, a computer 13 and a tilt/swivelmechanism 12 (refer to FIG. 2) hidden between flat panel display 11 andcomputer 13. The tilt/swivel mechanism 12 permits a user to adjustablymove the display panel in an up-and-down tilt direction along aconnecting area 100.

[0024] A tilt/swivel mechanism 12 illustrated in the FIG. 1(b) permits auser to adjustably move the display panel in a right-and-left swiveldirection along the connecting area 100.

[0025]FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view illustrating the condition as theflat panel display 11 swivels to a particular orientation, for example180 degrees. At this point, the back of the flat panel display 11 facesforward. FIG. 1(d) is the condition followed by the FIG. 1(c), where theflat panel display 11 tilts forward to be in a closed position with thecomputer 13. The display screen of the flat panel display 11 then facesupwards. The front, the side having the display screen of the flat paneldisplay 11 can further comprises input devices, for example a touch padto enable the flat panel display 11 served as a electronic book.

[0026]FIG. 2 illustrates the tilt/swivel mechanism 12 hidden between theflat panel display 11 and the computer 13 as shown in the FIG. 1(a). Thetilt/swivel mechanism 12 comprises a yoke 21 and a swivel hinge 22. Theyoke 21 is used for a user to adjustably move the flat panel display 11in an up-and-down tilt direction along the connecting area. The swivelhinge 22 is used for a user to adjustably move the flat panel display 11in a right-and-left swivel direction along the connecting area.

[0027]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the yoke 21 and theswivel hinge 22. The swivel hinge 22 comprises a yoke mounting arm 31,swivel base32 and a mounting base 33. The yoke mounting arm 31 isutilized to connect to the yoke2 l. The swivel base 32 is located in thebottom edge of the yoke mounting arm 31. The mounting base 33 is securedon the computer 13 via mounting holes 34. The mounting base 33 holds theswivel base 32 to allow the swivel base 32 swivels therein. As a result,the swivel base 32 connected to the yoke mounting arm 31 swivels whenthe yoke mounting arm 31 swivels.

[0028]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the swivel hinge 22;comprising the yoke mounting arm 31, the swivel base 32 and the mountingbase 33. The swivel base 32 has a first cylinder 322, where two grooves321 parallel and opposite each other on the outer surface of the firstcylinder 322. The mounting base 33 is secured on the computer 13. Themounting base 33 has a second cylinder 333 having a cable hole 332formed at the center of the second cylinder 333 to hold the swivel base32. Two mounting slots 331 are located in the cable hole 332 oppositeeach other. The elastic member 41 comprises a projection 411 to be heldin the mounting slots 331. A ring 42 is utilized to cover the mountingbase 33 and secured to the swivel base 32 to avoid the elastic member 41escape from the mounting slot 331. As the swivel base 32 swivels in themounting base 33 to a particular orientation, each groove 321 holds theprojection 411.

[0029] Swivel action as mentioned above requires torsion that isprovided by friction between the projection 411 of the elastic member 41and the surface of the swivel base 32. When swivel base 32 swivels to aparticular orientation in the mounting base 33, for example a swivelangle as 180 degrees in the mounting base 33, each groove 321 holds theprojection 411 and positions the swivel base 32 at a swivel angle of 180degrees.

[0030] In other words, the flat panel display 11 then is positioned atswivel angle of 180 degrees either counterclockwise or clockwise. Itfollows that back instead of the front, the display screen, of the flatpanel display 11 faces the user. The flat panel display then is tiltedforward with the yoke 21 to be in a closed position with the computer13. When the flat panel display 11 is in a facing upward and closedposition with the computer 13, screen of the flat panel display 11 facesupwards.

[0031] An application of said embodiment is an electronic book.

[0032] Alternative Preferred Embodiment

[0033]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt/swivelmechanism of the flat panel display apparatus according to secondpreferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a swivelhinge 50 comprises a mounting member 51, a yoke mounting arm 52 and aswivel base 53. The mounting member 51 is located on the computer andhas a first cylinder with two grooves parallel and opposite each otheron the outer surface of the first cylinder. The yoke mounting arm 52 isutilized for connecting the yoke 21 to the connecting area 100 of theflat panel display 11. The swivel base 53 is located in the bottom edgeof the yoke mounting arm 52. In other words, swivel base 53 is pivotallysecured to the flat panel display 11 via yoke 21. The swivel base 53 hasa second cylinder 533. The second cylinder 533 has a cable hole 531formed at the center of the second cylinder 533 to hold the mountingmember 51, and two mounting slots 532 located in the cable hole 531opposite each other. Each of the elastic members 54 has a projection 541to be held in the mounting slots 532. Each groove 511 holds theprojection 541 and stops the swivel action while the swivel base 53swivels to a particular orientation in the mounting member 511.

[0034] Swivel action as mentioned above requires torsion that isprovided by friction between the projection 541 of the elastic member 54and the surface of the swivel base 53. When swivel base 53 swivels to aparticular orientation in the mounting member 511, for example a swivelangle as 180 degrees in the mounting member, each groove 321 holds theprojection 541 and positions the swivel base 53 at a swivel angle of 180degrees.

[0035] In other words, the flat panel display 11 then is positioned atswivel angle of 180 degrees either counterclockwise or clockwise. Itfollows that back instead of the front, the display screen, of the flatpanel display 11 faces the user. The flat panel display then is tiltedforward with the yoke 21 to be in a closed position with the computer13. When the flat panel display 11 is in a facing upward and closedposition with the computer 13, screen of the flat panel display 11 facesupwards.

[0036] An application of said embodiment is an electronic book.

[0037] While the invention has been described with reference to variousillustrative embodiments, the description herein should not be construedin a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrativeembodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will beapparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this description.It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover anysuch modifications or embodiments as may fall within the scope of theinvention defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tilt/swivel mechanism located at a connectingarea between a computer and a flat panel display for permitting a userto adjustably move the flat display panel in an up-and-down tiltdirection and a right-and-left swivel direction along the connectingarea, said tilt/swivel mechanism comprising: a swivel base having afirst cylinder with two grooves parallel and opposite each other on theouter surface of the first cylinder; a yoke pivotally secured toconnecting area of the flat panel display connecting area and the swivelbase; a mounting base located in the computer, the mounting base havinga second cylinder, the second cylinder having a cable hole formed at thecenter of the second cylinder to hold the swivel base and two mountingslots located in the cable hole opposite each other; and two elasticmembers, each having a projection to be held in the mounting slot;wherein each groove holds the projection and stops the swivel actionwhile the swivel base swivels to a particular orientation in themounting base.
 2. A tilt/swivel mechanism located at a connecting areabetween a computer and a flat panel display for permitting a user toadjustably move the flat display panel in an up-and-down tilt directionand a right-and-left swivel direction along the connecting area, saidtilt/swivel mechanism comprising: a mounting member located in thecomputer, the mounting member having a first cylinder with two groovesparallel and opposite each other on the outer surface of the firstcylinder; a swivel base having a second cylinder, the second cylinderhaving a cable hole formed at the center of the second cylinder to holdthe mounting member and two mounting slots located in the cable holeopposite each other; a yoke pivotally secured to connecting area of theflat panel display connecting area and the swivel base; and two elasticmembers, each having a projection to be held in the mounting slot;wherein each groove holds the projection and stops the swivel actionwhile the swivel base swivels to a particular orientation mounting base.3. A tilt/swivel mechanism located at a computer and pivotally securedto a flat panel display with a yoke for permitting a user to adjustablymove the display panel in an up-and-down tilt direction and aright-and-left swivel direction along the connecting area, saidtilt/swivel mechanism comprising: a swivel base having a first cylinderand connected to the yoke; and a mounting base located in a computer,the mounting base having a second cylinder, the second cylinder having acable hole formed at the center of the second cylinder to hold theswivel base while permitting the swivel base to swivel in the mountingbase in the clockwise or counter clock wise direction.
 4. Thetilt/swivel mechanism of claim 3, wherein the second cylinder furthercomprises two mounting slots located in the cable hole opposite eachother.
 5. The tilt/swivel mechanism of claim 4, wherein the mountingslots hold elastic members with a projection.
 6. The tilt/swivelmechanism of claim 5, wherein a first cylinder has two grooves paralleland opposite each other on the outer surface of the first cylinder andeach wherein each groove holds the projection and stops the swivelaction while the swivel base swivels to a particular orientation in themounting base.
 7. A tilt/swivel mechanism located at a computer andpivotally secured to a flat panel display with a yoke for permitting auser to adjustably move the display panel in an up-and-down tiltdirection and a right-and-left swivel direction along the connectingarea, said tilt/swivel mechanism comprising: a mounting member having afirst cylinder and connected to the computer; a swivel base connected tothe yoke, the swivel base having a second cylinder, the second cylinderhaving a cable hole formed at the center of the second cylinder to holdthe mounting member while permitting the swivel base to swivel in themounting member in the clockwise or counter clock wise direction.
 8. Thetilt/swivel mechanism of claim 7, wherein the second cylinder furthercomprises two mounting slots located in the cable hole opposite eachother.
 9. The tilt/swivel mechanism of claim 8, wherein the mountingslots hold elastic members with a projection.
 10. The flat panel displayapparatus with tilt/swivel mechanism of claim 9, wherein a firstcylinder has two grooves parallel and opposite each other on the outersurface of the first cylinder and each wherein each groove holds theprojection and stops the swivel action while the swivel base swivels toa particular orientation in the mounting base.
 11. A flat panel displayapparatus, comprising a flat panel display; a computer; a yoke connectedto a edge of the flat panel display; a swivel base pivotally secured tothe edge of the flat panel display with the yoke, the swivel base havinga first cylinder with two grooves parallel and opposite each other onthe outer surface of the first cylinder; a mounting base located on thecomputer, the mounting base having a second cylinder, the secondcylinder having a cable hole formed at the center of the second cylinderto hold the mounting base and two mounting slots located in the cablehole opposite each other; and two elastic members, each having aprojection to be held in the mounting slot; wherein each groove holdsthe projection and stops the swivel action while the swivel base swivelsto a particular orientation in the mounting base.
 12. A flat paneldisplay apparatus, comprising a flat panel display; a computer; amounting member located on the computer, the mounting member having afirst cylinder with two grooves parallel and opposite each other on theouter surface of the first cylinder; a yoke connected to a edge of theflat panel display; a swivel base pivotally secured to the edge of theflat panel display with the yoke, the swivel base having a secondcylinder, the second cylinder having a cable hole formed at the centerof the second cylinder to hold the mounting member and two mountingslots located in the cable hole opposite each other; and two elasticmembers, each having a projection to be held in the mounting slot;wherein each groove holds the projection and stops the swivel actionwhile the swivel base swivels to a particular orientation in themounting base.
 13. A flat panel display apparatus, comprising a flatpanel display; a computer; a yoke connected to a edge of the flat paneldisplay; a swivel base having a first cylinder and pivotally secured tothe edge of the flat panel display with the yoke; and a mounting baselocated in a computer, the mounting base having a second cylinder, thesecond cylinder having a cable hole formed at the center of the secondcylinder to hold the swivel base while permitting the swivel base toswivel in the mounting base in the clockwise or counter clock wisedirection.
 14. The flat panel display apparatus of claim 13, wherein thesecond cylinder further comprises two mounting slots located in thecable hole opposite each other.
 15. The flat panel display apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the mounting slots hold elastic members with aprojection.
 16. The flat panel display apparatus of claim 15, wherein afirst cylinder has two grooves parallel and opposite each other on theouter surface of the first cylinder and each groove holds the projectionand stops the swivel action while the swivel base swivels to aparticular orientation mounting base.
 17. A flat panel displayapparatus, comprising a flat panel display; a computer; a yoke connectedto a edge of the flat panel display; a mounting member having a firstcylinder and located on the computer; a swivel base pivotally secured tothe edge of the flat panel display with the yoke, the swivel base havinga second cylinder, the second cylinder having a cable hole formed at thecenter of the second cylinder to hold the mounting member whilepermitting the mounting member to swivel in the swivel base in theclockwise or counter clock wise direction.
 18. The flat panel displayapparatus of claim 17, wherein the second cylinder further comprises twomounting slots located in the cable hole opposite each other.
 19. Theflat panel display apparatus of claim 18, wherein the mounting slotshold elastic members with a projection.
 20. The flat panel displayapparatus of claim 19, wherein a first cylinder has two grooves paralleland opposite each other on the outer surface of the first cylinder andeach wherein each groove holds the projection and stops the swivelaction while the swivel base swivels to a particular orientation in themounting base.